Question 1

Is it ever acceptable for Christians to steal small items?

Accepted Answer

From a mainstream evangelical Christian perspective, stealing, regardless of the scale, is not considered acceptable. The Bible consistently upholds the principle of honesty and integrity. The Eighth Commandment explicitly states, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15, NIV), without making exceptions for the size or value of the item. This commandment reflects God's desire for His followers to respect the property and rights of others.

Moreover, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reinforces this standard by urging believers to abandon theft and instead work honestly to support themselves and share with those in need: "Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need" (Ephesians 4:28, NIV). This passage emphasizes transformation through ethical living and generosity.

Therefore, the evangelical Christian stance is that stealing, even small items, is inconsistent with biblical teachings. Christians are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness and justice, prioritizing honesty and respect for others as a testimony of their faith.

Question 2

Do Christians accept certain aspects of evolution in their faith?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many Christians, particularly within mainstream evangelical circles, accept certain aspects of evolution within their faith, often through the lens of theistic evolution or evolutionary creationism. This view holds that God is the ultimate creator who used evolutionary processes as a mechanism to bring about life, aligning scientific findings with biblical truth. They affirm that God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1) and that humans are made in His image (Genesis 1:26-27), but they interpret the creation account in Genesis as not necessarily literal in terms of timing or method. Instead, they see evolution as a tool God employed, guided by His sovereign will, to develop life over time.

While some evangelicals adhere to young-earth creationism, rejecting evolution entirely due to a literal reading of Genesis, many others find compatibility between faith and science, emphasizing that God’s creative power transcends human understanding. They argue that accepting aspects of evolution does not diminish God’s role as Creator but rather showcases His intricate design. This perspective seeks to harmonize biblical authority with scientific evidence, maintaining that faith and reason can coexist under God’s ultimate authority.

Question 3

How can men and women be equal if men hold authority in marriage?

Accepted Answer

In mainstream evangelical Christian theology, men and women are considered equal in value and dignity before God, even while men are often seen as holding authority in marriage. This equality is rooted in the belief that both are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), possessing inherent worth and purpose. Their roles, however, are viewed as distinct and complementary, often described as "complementarianism." In marriage, the husband is called to be the head, reflecting Christ’s headship over the church, while the wife is called to submit as the church submits to Christ (Ephesians 5:22-24). This authority is not about superiority but about responsibility—husbands are to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loved the church, prioritizing her needs above his own (Ephesians 5:25).

Equality, therefore, exists in essence and spiritual standing, not in identical roles. Both partners are co-heirs of grace, equally redeemed and valued by God. Authority in marriage is meant to mirror divine order, fostering mutual respect and love, not domination. Thus, equality and authority coexist through complementary roles, reflecting God’s design for unity and purpose in marriage.

Question 4

Why does the Bible consider lying a sin?

Accepted Answer

The Bible considers lying a sin because it violates God’s nature and His commandments, disrupting the trust and truthfulness essential to human relationships and communion with Him. From an evangelical Christian perspective, God is the source of all truth, and lying contradicts His character as one who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). Truthfulness reflects God’s image, while deception aligns with Satan, described as the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Lying undermines love for others, as it often harms or manipulates, breaking the command to love one’s neighbor.

The Ninth Commandment explicitly forbids bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16), emphasizing the importance of honesty in community and justice. Additionally, lying is listed among sins that separate humanity from God, as seen in Proverbs 6:16-19, where a “lying tongue” is something the Lord hates. Evangelicals stress that lying, even in small matters, reflects a heart not fully aligned with God’s will, requiring repentance and reliance on Christ’s grace for transformation. Ultimately, the Bible condemns lying because it opposes God’s truth, damages relationships, and hinders spiritual integrity, calling believers to speak truthfully in love.

Question 5

Who is Jesus and why does He matter to Christians?

Accepted Answer

Jesus is the central figure of Christianity, regarded by Christians as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. According to evangelical beliefs, Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, embodying the perfect union of God and man. His life, death, and resurrection are foundational to Christian faith. Christians believe that Jesus was sent by God to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah, offering salvation to all who believe (John 3:16). His death on the cross is seen as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity, reconciling people to God (Romans 5:8).

Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is considered a victory over sin and death, assuring believers of eternal life and affirming His divine identity (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Furthermore, Jesus’ teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, provide ethical and spiritual guidance, emphasizing love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God. For Christians, Jesus matters profoundly because He represents the pathway to a restored relationship with God, offering hope, purpose, and the promise of eternal life. His life and message continue to inspire and transform individuals and communities worldwide.

Question 6

Who is Jesus and why is He central to Christianity?

Accepted Answer

Jesus is the central figure of Christianity, regarded as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. According to evangelical Christian belief, Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, a mystery known as the hypostatic union. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of Christian faith. Jesus' mission, as understood by evangelicals, was to reconcile humanity to God, offering salvation from sin and eternal life through His sacrificial death on the cross and His resurrection (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). This act of atonement is seen as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the ultimate demonstration of God's love and grace.

Jesus' teachings, recorded in the Gospels, emphasize love, forgiveness, and the coming Kingdom of God. His life serves as a model for Christian living, and His resurrection is viewed as the cornerstone of Christian hope, promising believers victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 20-22). In summary, Jesus is central to Christianity because He is the means by which believers are redeemed and restored to a right relationship with God, embodying the core message of the Gospel.

Question 7

Does the Tiktaalik fossil provide evidence for evolution from a Christian perspective?

Accepted Answer

From a mainstream evangelical Christian perspective, the Tiktaalik fossil, a transitional form between fish and tetrapods discovered in 2004, is often viewed with caution when considering evidence for evolution. Many evangelicals hold to a literal interpretation of Genesis, believing that God created all living things according to their kinds (Genesis 1:21, 24-25). This view often leads to skepticism about macroevolution, the idea of one species evolving into another over millions of years, as it appears to conflict with the biblical account of a six-day creation.

While some Christians accept theistic evolution, suggesting God guided evolutionary processes, many evangelicals argue that fossils like Tiktaalik do not conclusively prove evolution but rather demonstrate God’s creative diversity or adaptation within kinds. They emphasize that scientific interpretations are fallible and should be weighed against Scripture, which they consider the ultimate authority (2 Timothy 3:16). Thus, for many evangelicals, Tiktaalik may be seen as an interesting discovery but not definitive evidence for evolution, as it does not override the biblical narrative of creation. Faith in God’s Word often takes precedence over scientific claims in this perspective.

Question 8

Who were the twelve disciples of Jesus in the Bible?

Accepted Answer

The twelve disciples of Jesus, also known as the Twelve Apostles, were the primary followers chosen by Jesus during His earthly ministry to spread His teachings and build the foundation of the Church. According to the Gospels, their names are: Simon Peter, Andrew (Peter’s brother), James and John (sons of Zebedee), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus (also called Judas, son of James), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus (Matthew 10:2-4; Luke 6:13-16). These men came from diverse backgrounds, including fishermen, a tax collector, and a political zealot, reflecting Jesus’ call to all people. They witnessed His miracles, teachings, and resurrection, and most were instrumental in early Christian mission work. After Judas Iscariot’s betrayal and death, Matthias was chosen to replace him (Acts 1:26), maintaining the number twelve, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. From an evangelical perspective, the disciples represent the core of Jesus’ mission to proclaim the Gospel, with Peter often highlighted as a key leader in the early Church. Their lives exemplify faith, struggle, and transformation through Christ.

Question 9

Who does the Bible say God is and is not?

Accepted Answer

The Bible presents God as the eternal, sovereign Creator of all things, characterized by holiness, love, and omnipotence. God is one in essence, yet exists as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—a mystery known as the Trinity (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19). He is self-existent, needing nothing outside Himself, and is unchanging in His nature (Malachi 3:6). God is personal, engaging with humanity through covenant relationships, and is just, merciful, and faithful. His love is supremely revealed in Jesus Christ, who died for humanity’s sins (John 3:16).

Conversely, the Bible clarifies what God is not. He is not a created being or part of the physical world, rejecting pantheism or idolatry (Isaiah 44:6). God is not limited by human flaws like capriciousness or deceit; He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). He is not distant or impersonal, as deism suggests, but actively involved in creation and redemption. Additionally, God is not one among many gods, affirming monotheism against polytheistic views. From an evangelical perspective, these truths underscore God’s uniqueness and call for worship of Him alone, as revealed in Scripture.

Question 10

What is the most important commandment according to Jesus?

Accepted Answer

According to Jesus, the most important commandment is to love God and love others. This is succinctly captured in the synoptic Gospels, where Jesus summarizes the Law by citing two primary commandments. In Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV), Jesus says, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” This passage reflects the essence of the Jewish Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) and the command to love one's neighbor found in Leviticus 19:18. Jesus presents these two commandments as inseparable and foundational, emphasizing that all the Law and the Prophets hang on these commands (Matthew 22:40). From an evangelical perspective, loving God with one's entire being involves a devoted relationship with Him, characterized by obedience and worship. Loving others, meanwhile, entails selfless actions, kindness, and compassion, reflecting God's love in human relationships. This dual commandment encapsulates the heart of Christian ethics, guiding believers in their relationship with God and with others, and serving as the ultimate fulfillment of God's law.

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